Independence at Southampton in 2008

Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to position the new Independence of the Seas- in Southampton, United Kingdom when she debuts in May 2008. Sharing the title of the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world with sister ships, Freedom of the Seas and the soon-to-be-launched Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to be home-ported in Europe.

“This significant step is part of the company’s strategy of international business development and expansion into emerging and high-growth cruise markets,” said Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, at a press conference in London. “We have already seen tremendous growth of the cruise industry in Europe. This year, 21 percent of the capacity of our three brands combined - Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur - will be in this region. Bringing this new generation of mega ships to the Southampton, the home of UK cruising, will further develop our global operations and reinforce cruising as an enticing vacation option for travelers in this region.”

Independence of the Seas is currently under construction in Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, she will be delivered to Royal Caribbean International in May 2008 and will feature the line's signature innovations such as the FlowRider® surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park, an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall and a boxing ring. The 3,634-guest cruise ship will sail the 2008 summer season from Southampton.  

“Our decision to base the newest and most exciting ship in Southampton will offer our guests an easy, convenient and affordable way to see several legendary European landmarks and exciting destinations without having to repeatedly unpack their suitcases,” said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International  “The amenities available onboard Independence of the Seas will give a fresh face to cruising in Europe and the Mediterranean providing guests with a variety of options to create their own unique adventure.”

After a  series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway ; Hamburg, Germany and Southampton; UK. Independence of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage in mid-May 2008, alternating 14-night ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ and ‘Italian Mediterranean’ itineraries. Ports of call for the ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ itinerary include Gibraltar, UK; Barcelona, Spain; Nice, France; Florence/Pisa, Italy; Sardinia, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Malaga and Vigo, Spain. Guests on the ‘Italian Mediterranean’ cruises can experience the wonderful destinations of Gibraltar; Cannes/Monte Carlo, France; Florence/Pisa, Rome and Sardinia in Italy; Seville and Vigo, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal. Bookings for the European itineraries will be open for sale on March 14 2007.

Susan Hooper, senior vice president international, managing director - EMEA, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line said “This exciting announcement further reinforces Royal Caribbean International’s ongoing commitment to the changing face of cruising in Europe”.

Independence of the Seas will join a long list of Royal Caribbean ships in Europe. In the summer of 2007, six ships - the highest number ever for the cruise line - will sail European itineraries stopping in 63 ports of call in Europe alone. Navigator of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will sail from Southampton and Harwich, England, respectively. In Spain, Voyager of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will be Barcelona-based. Legend of the Seas will homeport in Rome and Splendour of the Seas will sail from Venice, Italy.